My "Hopefully" New Venture ;)

Hi!
So I have decided to let the cat out of the bag. My announcement is that I am wanting to try and start my own business. It has been one of my dreams to have my own business and become an entrepreneur. My hope is to this next year, start a pony party business with my three characters: Sam, April, and Merrylegs. I want to take them and do birthday parties for children complete with themes, games, trick performance, pony rides, and cart rides. It would also be fun to branch out into community and church events as well and maybe eventually schools, nursing homes etc. It is an idea I have tossed around for over a year now and it just has never seemed to be the right time. Now my situation seems to be opening a possibility for it and I am excited to give it a shot. I believe it will be a great way not only to gain new experience and exposure...but also a great ministry opportunity and a super fun way to bring joy to people's lives!
However that leads me to the most important part about this whole idea....it's going to require faith and trust on my part. It is going to be a long process getting everything figured out and even though I have many of the workings for this business already: animals, cart, and living in a prime location....I, as any entrepreneur want-a-be, am going to have some financial risk. It is going to cost me a decent chunk of money to start this business for I will need things such as a truck and trailer etc. This is the part that is really going to require trusting in God because I have no idea how it's going to happen or if it will even work out. All I can do is give it to Him and see what He has in mind if it's His will for this business to become a thing next year.
I please ask that you will be praying for me, that God will give me wisdom in what the next steps I should take in this journey. Also please pray that if it is meant to be, He will provide the funds necessary to make it happen. I want this to be a God thing, not a Kayleigh's thing. I have made my dreams too much about myself lately and I have seemed to have gotten nowhere. I want Him to be in control and to carry out His plan for me. I want Him to use me however he chooses whether it's bringing joy to children and other people along the way with my gang or something else entirely. Either way I am letting Him be in control and I am just going to go along as the doors open up. I know He will provide as He sees fit and it is my hope I will get to continue to share this venture with you in the upcoming months, Lord willing!

His Plans

Hi everyone!
Well I have been having an interesting time lately trying to figure out where this blog is going and what it is I really need to write about. It is no surprise that my plans are not going like I thought they would and where I am at in my life is not exactly where I expected I'd be right now. And I don't think I truly have let go of those plans into God's hands yet. I am still on the train, gripping onto the railing, thinking I am getting ready to jump when I'm not yet fully committed to take the leap. I still keep on trying to force my way to my goals and in the end the rest of my life is suffering. My dreams have become baggage that is weighing my soul down. It has made me cut myself off from attachments because I hate the thought of saying goodbye, it has prevented me from starting projects that I'm not certain I can finish in a certain period of time, it's blinded me to opportunities, hindered my relationships, my ability to serve others, minister to others and truly enjoy life. I never expected my dreams to become castle walls that block me from everything else that is beautiful and special in my life right now. I have an amazing life with a wonderful job, wonderful people to work with who care about me, wonderful friends and family, and opportunities right outside my door. No plans should cut me off from these things. They are not my god but somehow I have made them into my idol. I have placed the whole hope of the success of my life upon them and worried too much that people will see me as a failure if they don't happen. But my dreams don't define my success. How I live my life every day, how I treat those around me, how I leave this world in my small corner of it, how I serve God; that is what rates my success. I will always have my hopes but they are not longer going to be my master. It's time for me to take the plunge and jump off the train.
So this leads me to a possibly exciting announcement for the near future, Lord willing. ;)
It is an idea I have been tossing around for about a year now, but I had to set is aside due to too many other changes in my life over the past year. But now my situation seems a little more conducive for it and I am excited. I am ready to live my life in the here and now instead of years ahead. So I am going to take it day by day and I will reveal more once I have a more concrete idea of the plan God has in store for me. I am going to let Him do the work as I just obediently follow through instead of barging through every little crack I see. Therefore my blog is going to still continue to be about trick training and dreams but it will take on the little bit of different course. A course not based on my expectations because they are too close-minded, but by someone who has the whole world at His fingertips. It sounds so much more exciting! So please be praying for me and this new project of mine and that I will be obedient to God's call wherever it leads. And I will share as soon as I can! :)

Fake it 'till You Make it?

"Fake it 'till you make it". You may have heard that saying before. I am not sure where exactly it came from but it's a phrase that I have heard before but have often disregarded. I mean who wants to be fake? But then yesterday I heard it again in a much different perspective than I have ever really thought about. At the barn where I work, we just had a clinician come for three days to work with my bosses with their horses. She was working with them on how to create more of a connection with their horses and how to fix different attitude issues. It was amazing to see what was accomplished in just three days time and how the horses responded to specific training styles. We saw their true colors in some ways and I have to say it wasn't always pretty. But is was fascinating on how quickly they caught on to what was being asked of them. They suddenly showed us what it meant to be truly in-tune to your body language and to give complete suppleness and willingness to perform a task. Just by simply looking at a horse's hindquarters you can teach him to move them away from you and by simple waving a finger you can get your horse to back up. Obviously for tricks. body language is key and for film, cues have to be so slight and barely noticeable.
Now as this clinician was explaining this process of training and working with your horse, she stressed about having confidence. Being confident while working with your horse is soooo important because you need to be a leader to your horse. You need to be someone he respects and wants to follow. Now does this mean you are always going to be right and never mess up? Of course not!
It is not about being right all the time. It's about being understanding and never giving up. It's about being consistent and committed no matter what comes up. It's about being humble, patient and flexible. And as the clinician explained, you need to be confident even in those times that you aren't completely sure of yourself. Your horse needs that leadership even if it isn't perfect all the time. It is better to get things by trial and error a hundred times than not to try at all. Now obviously you know with our horses we need to stay in the boundaries of what is safe and non-detrimental to them. Often though, the reason why we can not get the achieved results with them is because we aren't doing something quite clear enough for them to understand. Or we are asking too much or not enough. Or even, we give up just before we are about to make a breakthrough because we just can't see the end result.
So what did she suggest? "Fake it 'till you make it". Even if we're not sure if we are going to get the desired result we want, we are going to go forward with confidence. Rarely are we going to be a hundred percent sure about the outcome, but that is not a good enough reason not to try. You may not be sure if your horse is going to cross that creek or perform that trick or make that flying lead change but when you carry the confidence of: I will do my very best, in the best way I know how, for however long it takes...you will be surprised at your results over time. Suddenly things start to click and you learn exactly what your horse needs to walk calmly over that creek, to bow with flair, and to be a reining pro. You won't feel like you are faking it anymore, because you'll be there. And let's be honest, if you believe in yourself no matter what, you are never truly faking. You are just on your way to making it.
So no matter how many times you get it wrong remember, it took Thomas Edison over 10,000 tries to make the lightbulb shine. He insisted that his tries were never a loss but that he has just learned thousands of times on how not to make a lightbulb shine.
Therefore, no matter how uncertain we are, how many times we don't get our exact desire result, how afraid we are of failing or not being the perfect leader for our horses and people; we need to put on that confidence even if it feels fake at first.
We need to disregard the murmurs, the slip ups, and the obstacles. And pretty soon we'll won't feel like we are faking it anymore and we'll realize we've truly made it. :)

God Will Provide the Blessing

So I write this post as I am dozing off from being up since 5:00 in the morning for deer hunting. As I was sitting in the hunting blind this morning I was having my own little church service. I mean how can it get any better than sitting out in nature, hearing God's Creation come to life as the sun rises? As I was trying to focus those lazy eyes and wiggle warmth back into my toes and fingers, I asked God to provide the reward of the day if He would. Now after sitting for about 5 hours with nothing but a short glimpse of a handsome buck that continued to move on too quickly and just out of grasping range, I returned with no prize. Now why would I bore you with such an uninteresting story? Because I believe no matter where we are: talking to God from a church pew, in the car, or a hunting blind; He answers back. Perhaps not in the way we wish or expect but He does. Today, I believe He told me to be patient. Not everything is going to come right when I want it to. I may even get a glimpse of the blessing or the goal I'm after but that doesn't mean the time is right or maybe it's not what I need at all. I believe He used the opportunity this morning to teach me a valuable lesson. Sometimes I feel as if my dreams and aspirations have come to a screeching halt. They flickered by quickly and were swiftly gone. I ask God to provide and to make a way, but maybe I'm missing something. Perhaps He has a greater plan at work and He needs me to simply pause and stop waiting for Him to just give me what I want when I want it. I need to stop waiting for my goals to be achieved and ask Him to achieve His goals for me. He will bring me the real prize that I need at the exact time I need it. I think sometimes we place so much weight on what we want to get out of life that we forget to ask God what He wants us to get out of life. He calls us to do things and gives us aspirations but they are not to become more important than Him. They are His blessing and He will provide when He knows we are ready for it. It may not be in the way we dreamt or planned but it will be even better because when we let Him fill our desires, it will satisfy us like no other. So let's take every day as a day to hear Him speak to us, even if it's just the silence of being still and knowing He's got a plan always and He will provide for His children.

Professional Organizer

Hi everyone!
Sooo, I kinda have to make this post about priorities because mine have been a little askew lately. Do you know those times when it seems like everything in your life is trying to get your attention? Work, family, pets, friends, goals, God... those dishes lying on the counter for the past two days.....
It can get to the point where you feel like you are getting absolutely nowhere and you feel like you are getting little accomplished but are constantly on the run.
These past two weeks have been a blur for me to be honest but I have learned a couple of things: I need to be busy, but I need to prioritize my busyness. When I am busy I tend to me more alert and actually seem to get more accomplished if I have a plan. When I am not busy, I tend to fudge here and there until it seems like I get nothing accomplished whatsoever.
However my busyness can become quite useless without that plan and with everything in order. So how do I order it all? What is most important?
Well, obviously God should be top priority in my life and I feel that He has been give me some taps on the shoulder lately reminding me that we should be spending more time together and He should not just be getting the leftovers of my day. He should be first and foremost because He will help me set the precedent for my whole day. Also these past couple of weeks, I have been reminded of how crucial it is to spend time with family and friends. God gave you these people for a reason and they are pretty cool! :) They deserve your time and effort and it will often give you much needed encouragement. Go out and do something with them even if it's just simply having a nice long chat together. It will make you feel energized and relieved to know that your not the only one who has lots going on! ;)
Also I think it is important to take care of what God has entrusted us with. The job, coworkers, the house, the pets...it all has it's place. Obviously there are more pressing needs at different times but I think the main question we have to ask ourselves is: what or who is what I am doing right now benefiting? What am I accomplishing really? Am I just getting through another day or am I truly living and learning from it?
I have spent many days where I could have been doing something productive but I chose to do something that was more or less letting me be entertained. Oh I was busy, just not in a way that was truly beneficial. Now I am not saying by any means, that we can never take time to relax or watch a movie or surf the internet. We do need down-time here and there as so not fry our minds; however we cannot let it take precedent over God, and the things He has given us to take care of. It can be easy to sit down from a busy week and decide that we will let things slide for just one day, but then (at least for me) that one day turns into another, and another, until tasks are all piled up and you are feeling completely overwhelmed and feel like you have to put a halt to everything because you not longer know what to do anymore.
So, I am taking some time to restore my priorities. God needs to be the driver, not the backseat passenger along for the ride. How am I going to do that exactly? Well, I am going to start by making a list of all the things in my life and that need my attention and care. Then, I am going to pray and ask God to show me what needs to be most important and maybe what needs to be knocked down a few notches. Then I am going to make my new list and map out a schedule for my week. If it's one thing I like it's structure. It makes me feel like I have something to follow on those days when I just need a little bit of stability in a chaotic world. Of course it's going to change and not be followed perfectly all the time, but at least it is a guide. And the biggest step I am going to take is I am going to DO IT!
It is so easy to get caught up in making lists and then never actually accomplishing anything on them. No matter if I come home in the less than ideal mood or if my horse isn't behaving like I think he should, or dinner turned out a little less than desirable; I have to stay the course if I want to truly accomplish anything significant in life. I have to keep on and when all else fails I need to turn to the One who should get the very beginning and end of my day and all the moments in between. He is my Professional Organizer. Will you let Him be yours?

Blog Update

Hi everyone,
So I haven't posted for a week now and I apologize. It has been a busy time for me lately and I haven't had the chance (or should I say, made the time) to post. I believe there are some areas of my life that God has been convicting me to get refocused on and back on track. I hope to share these things with you soon! So I will be getting back to my regular posting schedule on Thursday so please bear with me.
Thank you to all of you who have been following me so far! I greatly appreciate it!
-Kayleigh

Get Out & Explore

Hi everybody! So just a short post for today as this is a super busy week for me! Aside from trick training I think it is important to just get out and go a nice long trail ride. I have been taking Sam out for the past couple of weeks on a nice long jaunt outside and he loves it! It is nice relief from the usual schedule and helps clear both of our heads. Sometimes if we practice on things too often our horses and we ourselves get burned out. We get tired and frustrated if things aren't progressing as quickly as we like. So it is good to get out of the arena or whatever setting you're in and explore new scenery and practice other things like straight lines, or leg yielding. The outdoors also provides a lot of natural obstacles such as logs, creeks, gates and rows of trees where you can work on maneuvers. Or simply just take a leisurely walk and enjoy each other's company. It will strengthen your bond and you will learn to work as a team better. So get and have a fun adventure! I think I am going to need one after this week! ;)

Home Sweet Home

Do you ever take the place you live for granted? Does the grass always seem greener on the other side? I do and I was reminded of it today. I met with my family and some friends and went hiking in a local state park this afternoon. It was a gorgeous sunny day and the fall colors were really starting to come around. I have grown up in the area my whole life and have grown used to the sights and the craziness that comes with living close to a small tourist town in October. Usually I try to avoid it all costs and wonder why so many people would want to come to this little place on the map. It's really not all that exciting. We don't even have a theme park nearby. Well, as I was walking through the ravines and hollers(yes, I am a country girl ;), I was struck yet again of the beauty of the area I call home. I have talked to several people who are not from Indiana and they have mentioned that they thought it was all flat. Well, I would always tell them that it's not and I happened to be reminded today that I am blessed to live in one of the prettiest parts of the state.
But yet what do I do when people tell me that I am so lucky to live in a place like this?....I sheepishly agree and move on to the next daydream of leaving it to a much "nicer, prettier" place.
In all honesty, lately my mind has been filled with the grandeur of moving to a much better state, somewhere in the South and getting the heck out of where I am at now. Why? Why has the beauty of this place become dull in my mind's eye? Is the grass truly greener elsewhere?
I think often times we take where we live for granted. We get so used to seeing the same things over and over that we get bored and it's beauty loses it spark to us. We go on vacations to other places and dream of what it would be like to live there, but would it over time become the same way if we did? And why is it when we are away for a while, coming home to that dull and boring place suddenly is welcoming and missed? (Now don't get me wrong....vacations are great. I'm just using them as an example.)
I struggle with both to be honest. I so badly want get away sometimes and start a new life somewhere else and then other times, I look at my current home with refreshed eyes and I am happy and content. Even other times, these two are in constant war with each other.
Now it is wrong to want to move somewhere else...of course not! Sometimes life, jobs, love, and opportunities takes us to different places. Sometimes we NEED to leave. But I also believe that God puts us places for a reason. He makes every location beautiful in it's own special way. He wants us to enjoy the mission field He has given us right now, where we are, for however long He wants us to be there. And I think it's a tragedy when we continually sit and wish for what we don't have when He has given us so much already just outside our front door. I think we have to learn the fine balance between being content where we are at and yet ready to go wherever God calls us next if He decides to. All places will have their pros and cons. But if you take the time to just see the beauty of the place you are at each and every day with fresh perspective, being settled however long, won't seem like a cage...it will seem like a chance to make an real impact in your community that you might just get to see the fruit from. So am I proud to be a Hoosier and grateful for all the wonderful people I know because of it in the better part of these past 23 years?
Yes, I am!
How about you?

Need a Hug?

Have you ever seen the heartwarming pictures of a little girl with her arms wrapped around a horse's neck with the horse appearing to hug her back? It's adorable right? Well that is my next trick to tell you about and that you can learn to teach your horse. It is very simple trick to teach and the next time you could use a extra cheering up, you need to look no farther than the barn. :)

What you need:

• Your best hugging arms
• Treats of choice
• And a big furry neck just dying to hugged on :)

This trick is so very simple to teach and does not have to be super specific in the way it is taught. Therefore you can test it out and see what works for you and your horse. I begin by just getting the horse to be okay with me putting my arms around them and being close. Now to get them to reciprocate, stand by them, take a treat(I suggest carrots or apple slices cut at a decent length) and get them to bend back towards you. Gradually increase the bend around you and the length of time that they hold it before they receive the treat. Eventually, you can turn to face them and give them a hug while encouraging with your outside hand to ask them to come around you. You can have fun with the verbal cue on this one if you wish, just remember to keep it fairly short and simple.  

Things to remember:

• This trick is best to be taught with the horse in a halter and lead rope first.
• Do not teach this to a horse that is not a respecter of your space already.
• Don't over do it and watch your fingers with treats.
• Enjoy this super sweet trick and the benefits of flexion that it gives your horse!

Because this trick is so simple, it allows you to add your own spin on the presentation of the hug and see what adorable picture moments you can create with your best buddy!

All the Single Ladies

Let's face it...sometimes singleness is not lighthearted and catchy as the the popular Beyoncé song. If you are like me you will often fluctuate between being okay with being single, enjoy your freedom, like setting your own schedule and doing what you want, when you want to do it. That lasts for a time and then all of the sudden you move to: feeling completely alone in a crowd where there's all these couples, losing it during every chick flic you watch, and curled up on the couch eating chocolate or other sweetness, feeling like no one from the opposite sex even notices you exist.
This morning at church the sermon was about singleness. Which was kind of fitting...since last night had been a not so cheery one for me in that department. Apparently my streak of being content on my own and being "free" had decided it had lasted long enough. During the sermon it was brought up what some people wonder about their singleness and I was surprised to find they were very much like what has ran through my head at one point or another. "What if I am just not content enough with where God has put me right now?" How long do I have to be content for God to bring me a partner?" "Do I just forget about the whole thing?" "Is God trying to tell me I have to be in a certain place in my spiritual walk before He will bring the person into my life?" "What is that certain place?" "What do I need to work on in my life before God brings said person?" "What am I doing wrong?" "What is wrong with me?" "Am I not good enough?" "Maybe I'm hoping for something or someone that doesn't exist."
These are the things that run through our heads sometimes. Sometimes we can be so strong and are committed to our goals and we want nothing to distract us. Then other times we are just dying for someone to share this life with us, look us in the eye and tell us we are the only one for them. (Yeah, a hopeless romantic I hate to admit sometimes.) I have also managed at times to have the worst mesh of both. Angry that you are not being focused enough while your wishing for a special someone that could potentially pull you away from your dreams, but offer you love for a lifetime. Sounds like the making of a Hallmark movie.
Anyway, sometimes singleness downright hurts and sometimes it feels great. How do we take hold of that contentment that the Apostle Paul speaks about in Philippians 4:11-13? I think one of the keys is ultimately our singleness isn't about us. It is about God. He set aside this time for us for a reason. He knows that now is the time when we will be more capable of carrying out this part of His plans with complete devotion than any other time in our lives. We can do this while we don't have a husband or a family to take care of. As single ladies we are to concern our lives with the things of God and how we can best serve Him. (1 Corinthians 7:34) When we get married then we have to concern our lives with all the things that that come with married life in addition to our spiritual duties. God knows what He is doing in this time. He knows our hearts and our conflicted desires because He made us this way; we are women. He knows our loneliness and our worry, but He calls us to step above that because with Him we have all we need. He loves us more than any earthly man could. How can we expect to ever love and be completely devoted to a mortal, imperfect man if we can't stay focused on the perfect Son of God? Now, I don't think God is in heaven shaking his head and saying..."If she gets this part of her life together, and fixes this issue, and tones it down here, then I'll give her a husband".  I believe He simply wants us to see the amazing life he has given us right now being single. We don't need to cut ourselves off from love because it may not go with our plans(who's plans are they ultimately anyway?) or vise versa: our only reason for living is to find a soulmate. Most of us will get married at some point or another. God loves marriage and He created it, but He created it to describe the depths of His relationship between His people and Himself. He is all we need, marriage is just a bonus. He wants us to get out and live and love, not to choose between the two. We can still love those around us as our bothers and sisters in Christ. Every story is different....remember in times of loneliness, He is our true Lover. In times of calm, remember He's got a new opportunity just waiting around the next corner that He wants you to take!

Teaching How to Pick Up Objects

Does your horse like to play with things with his lips? Does he like to investigate new and interesting objects? Then teaching him/her to pick up objects is a trick that they might enjoy and put those lips to a good use! :) You can teach your horse to pick up objects such as your hat if it falls off while riding or a small item that you drop or learn how to hold a flag or other object. A horse that can pick up objects (or in the case of the picture for this post...a donkey) can be a great thing to share the next time your showing off your four-legged companion and/or prove to be very helpful out on the trail.

Things you will need:

• An old towel or sock or a small item you wish to use (ex. ball cap, flag, etc.) 
• Treats or peanut butter sometimes is helpful.
• Your patience and your perfect timing. :)

Make sure your horse is fitted with a halter and lead rope. Your really want your horse to respect your cues and space with this trick as is the same with any trick. Hold the item which you want horse to learn to pick up. Let them sniff it and check it out. What I will do with an old towel or sock is place treats inside it and tie it off. You can rub peanut butter on other objects such as a hat to encourage them. Whenever they start to act like they're are going to nibble or grab at the object, give them the verbal cue of "Pick Up" or whatever word you choose. Then reward them immediately with a treat. They must first learn to associate the reward when they attempt to mouth the object then you gradually ask more of them. Once they show interest in the object, I will usually put it on the ground or on top of something if they are not quite stimulated to bend all the way down to the ground yet. Then I have both hands free to make sure they respect your space and then point or move the object while asking the verbal cue.  Then practice walking them up to the object and asking verbally. Once they put forth a good attempt, reward them. Gradually you ask more and more from them before you give the treat until they pick it up completely. I  always like to teach them to hand the item to me and I try not to let them drop it before I grab it. I do this so that they do not learn that they can just drop it whenever they want to, but must hand it to me and give it back. You can teach them a release cue as well such as "Give me" or "Thank you".

Things to remember:

• Never let your horse crowd your space or go after the object before you ask. Some horses will pick up quickly that the object means treats and may become too eager. Be very careful and responsible with treats on this one.
• Walk away from the object and come back to it after doing somethings else. Don't let your horse become glued to that object.
• Once your horse really starts to understand the concept and the verbal cues, try with other objects.
• Do not train with any objects that are very similar to something that you do not wanted picked up that comes in contact with the horses! Don't train with a straw hat if your mother happens to like to wear one to the barn. ;)
• Make sure objects being used are fairly easy for the horse to pick. They need to have a good grip point, otherwise the horse with just get frustrated and give up.
• Celebrate the little accomplishments and remember timing is with cues and reward is crucial.

Soon you will be able to get your horse to pick up items you dropped without having to leave the saddle and holding your tools for you....well maybe not quite, but you never know! ;)

Have fun!

 

Learning to Live Again

Have you every had those moments when you are just hit by an epiphany?  It smacks you straight on the forehead, right dead center between the eyes and shakes you to the core? Well I had one those moments yesterday afternoon. But to explain this moment I must go back to over a year ago and reveal some not so high moments in my life..so bear with me.
I had graduated college May of 2015 and I was coming off from a high moment in my life. I was officially done with college and the whole world was lying ahead of me at my disposal, or so I thought. I had a fall internship set up in Georgia. I was going to work with a well-known trick trainer who just so happened to train horses for the film industry. I was so excited! I could just envision my future: working my internship, accelerating my trick training and riding skills, getting offered a job, and you know the list goes on. I tend to dream in dramatic 3D living color and at the pace of racehorse. :)
Anyway, my whole future felt staked on this internship. I returned from college graduation in Oregon to my home of Indiana, hoping to land a summer job. That ended up being a little more difficult than anticipated but it worked out. Then September came and with a slightly nervous but eager heart, I headed off to Georgia. Now I could sit down and probably write a small book about my adventure down there but for now all you need to know is, I had probably the shortest internship in history. Less than 24 hours I was headed back home to Indiana after spending a deflating night in a shoddy motel just wanting to rewind the clock back four months. Too make a long story short, the internship was not what I was told it would be, neither were the conditions, or the people. And to top it all off something in the pit of my heart told me that something wasn't right. So I left. For months I have contemplated what it would have been like if I had stayed and it definitely was a disappointing experience for me. It was a devastating blow to my dreams, but in the end I did and still do feel a sense of relief that I didn't stay.
Now after I got home things started to unravel a little.  I was a college graduate trying to find a job, not really wanting to stay in Indiana, and wanting to be a grown-up in the real world. However, the jobs that I hoped would get me closer to my dream of training horses for film were not exactly readily available (go figure!) and as the struggle to just get a normal horse job went on, I began to deal with anxiety issues. Now this is a part of my life I am not proud of and I have a hard time talking about. I mean as a Christian we are supposed to have peace and there is supposed to be no room for fear right? But day after day I would slip into a daily routine of anxiety attacks that soon became a part of every day my life. I questioned what it was I was supposed to even be doing. My life was not going according to plan at all. I didn't have a job. I was a college graduate that was struggling, trying to live back at home when I had been gone the most of the past two years. I felt like a failure and worried about what others thought about me. I was the one who said I was going to make my dreams happen but what now?
This vicious cycle continued as I worked a few small jobs and then I finally landed a solid job as a barn manager at a small, well-to-do, private barn this past February. I got to move into my own little house and now have my own little fur family that you met. Now did all my anxiety stop? Of course not. It eased now that I had a job and a more secure position but the anxiety of not being exactly where I wanted to be still haunted me and to be honest it still does. I still deal with anxiety from time to time and so I want to let those of you reading who struggle as well to know: you're not alone! I get it and I'm praying for you and I ask you to pray for me as well. We can beat this with His help.
And I think a crucial way to do this it to learn to live again. Now of course you're probably asking what that means exactly? Am I not living right now? Yes, but view it from this perspective: I used to enjoy some of the littlest things in life. The way the water ripples in a creek, a single bird chirping in the early morning, the morning fog, the sun peaking through the trees, the gentle evening breeze, the wind blowing through the grass, the smells of the different seasons and just the smell of life. But lately, I've felt like something has been switched off inside of me. I feel like those senses have died. After my heartache and disappointment, worry and anxiety, comparison and self-pity, I felt like my life was destined for uselessness. I struggled between hoping for my dreams still or just giving up.
Then suddenly at work yesterday as I was going to go get horses from the pasture on a gorgeous sunny October afternoon, I felt that switch turn back on. A friend of mine who had been working with me and living with me for four months had just left for a new job in California, so I was pondering about living alone again. I also was contemplating my own future yet again. Then it hit me all of the sudden. Like a light switch bringing light to a darkened room; I suddenly felt the sweet fall breeze blowing, the sun caressing my skin, the grass shaking in the wind, and the smell of life all around me. It struck me so quickly and I swear it brought a wave of emotion into my soul and moisture to my eyes. Here I was so wrapped up in my vision of my future, my dreams of the "good" life, and my disappointment because I wasn't where I wanted to be or where I thought I should be, I had cut myself off from simply enjoying the life God had given me here and now. I had spend this last year, closing myself off from new relationships, social activities with fellow believers, and becoming too settled, because in doing so I felt like I was giving up on goals and dreams. I was letting this dream become my god. I was feeding it, nurturing it , protecting it, worshipping it....and at the same time closing my heart off to anything else. I had tunnel vision. All I could see was what I wanted and kept fighting to get there; never stopping but briefly to try and fully commit to understanding what God wanted for me. But I would always run back to my golden dream, no matter how tired I was of fighting for it's completion. And because of it I was so weary and I was dying inside. Dying to the beauty around me and to the wonderful life my God has given me. I've allowed people to be my critics and not Him. I have made this dream of mine my temple and not His. Yesterday, I finally felt alive again because for once I let that dream fade away for a few seconds and realized I'm living a dream right now.
God has given me a amazing family, a wonderful job and bosses, an adorable little house, and four wonderful fur children. ;) I am getting to do fun and amazing things with my little ones and getting the opportunity to grow myself. I need to learn to live in the present not the future. Because it is a good life He has given me right now. Does this mean I forget about my dreams all together? I have struggled with this thought often. But I think I am finally realizing that it's not about forgetting about it or giving up trying. It's about growing and blooming right where you are and understanding that your dream doesn't have to come to you overnight and it most likely won't. God's plan is so much greater and He isn't withholding your hopes from you because He wants to be mean. He wants to show you how to be happy with whatever your circumstances are wherever you are. And maybe that dream that you are clinging so tightly too isn't worth what it's robbing you of right now. Don't hinge your whole life success on them. Have your dreams, but don't let them replace God and what He so desperately wants to show you. Understand that He has greater plans than you can even imagine and start living life again! It's a process and a struggle sometimes but when you let go, truly, there is nothing else that makes your heart flutter more. It's open road before you and God's driving. You just need to enjoy the view. So will you join me on the journey to being a content passenger?

Standing Together in Balance

Hi everyone!
So I am working with my boy, Samwise on trick training and to tolerate me learning to trick ride on him. So yesterday I did a little bit of playing around: standing on him and practicing trying to stand up while he is walking. It is a slow progression but I want to get it right and not rush Sam or myself.
One of the things I am really learning in this process is balance and that's what I want to talk about a little bit today. Balance is crucial, not just in trick riding but in our every day riding. If you don't have the foundation from the beginning you will not be prepared for the more advanced things to come. Dedicate yourself to not just trying to create the picture perfect form, but dedicate to using your seat and really feeling in-tune to your horse's movement. Take the time to observe your horse's movement both free and under the saddle. Ride bareback and get a feel for his movement. Practice feeling his footfalls underneath you while in the saddle and trust me, it can be easier said than done. ;)
Also, this is not the most fun part..but you have to work on yourself specifically too. Build up those leg and core muscles. As I noticed yesterday, with shaky legs as I stood up on Sam and then tried to add movement to the mix...I need leg day....every day! So it's squats and planks for me! In order to steady yourself and keep in motion with your horse it will require you to strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility. It will also help you become a better rider in many different other aspects. So when thinking about standing on your horse make sure you are confident with your balance and the horse is confident in his before you try it. Have a spotter with you and holding your horse in case something happens and take it slowly. Start by kneeling then gradually working your way up. Be careful not to jab your horse on the back with your shoes and bring yourself down as gently and proportionally as possible. Do this as slowly and as long as it takes without any reaction from your horse. Once you and your horse are comfortable with this you can start trying it at the walk. Once again, have someone walk with you and the horse. Gradually repeat the same process: kneeling then gradually going to your feet. Always take your time and learn to get comfortable with the movement of each progression before you move on.
We need to have not only physical balance but balance in our mindset as well. We need to have the right proportion of knowing when to press on and when to pause and let a particular movement sink in before we venture on to the next step. Trick horses and trick riders are not born in a day, a week, or even in months. Learn to know when you've reached your limit and don't let fatigue set in for either you or your horse before you quit. End on a good note and understand that progress sometimes will just come in the form of balancing your body and mind just a second longer each time! :)

A Word About Feminism

So every once and while I get the urge to write about a particular topic that usual is triggered by something I have seen, heard, or talked about with someone. This week subject's is feminism. It is epidemic that has been spreading throughout our society for many years now. Women standing up and demanding they be treated exactly the same as men and that they can do whatever a man can do just as well if not better. Sometimes these woman even go as far as to complain that men should not even open the door for them, pull a chair up for them, or wait to sit down until they are seated  because they can handle it themselves. They take such a offense to a man just being polite. Instead they take it as the man basically saying that woman are weak and inferior. I do not believe this. What do I say to woman like this? Please stop and consider your way of thinking. Would you rather prefer the man to slam the door in your face or act like you don't even exist? Do you not realize that you are teaching today's men that they don't need to be polite to us and can basically be rude? Yes, there may be some men out there who are a sexist but most men I'm sure don't think you are incapable of opening a door for yourself. They just are being respectful, so are we as woman going to teach them not to be just because we have to prove we are just as capable? And some men are just trying to be protective and keep us save; not trying to repress our capabilities.
Also, if you are such a feminist and claim that you can do whatever a man can do and want to be treated as such then expect them to treat you just as they treat each other sometimes. Really think about it and are you really sure you'd appreciate that?
As a feminist, many woman will come across as having the air that they don't need a man ever to do anything for them or flat out tell you they don't. Therefore you don't ever need to have a boyfriend or ever get married. Simple as that. Don't be a hypocrite right?
Do you want to hear the truth women? The truth is we are all equal as human beings. Whatever sex we are, whatever race we are, and whatever we get paid at the end of the day. However, our roles are different. Yes, woman can have a career(as long as that doesn't affect her priority as a mother to her children), they can get paid as much as men, and they can survive in life without men. I am single, living on my own and supporting myself and I am doing just fine. But do I still wish to be married someday? Yes! Do I appreciate the men in my life who have fought for me, protected me, and honored me. Absolutely! Do I appreciate the men at my work who help me out at the barn and my rental house when I need it? Totally! Do they treat me like I am weak and can't handle things? Absolutely not! I can still handle projects and take care of some things myself; but I for one think it's nice when I know I don't always have to do it all and can focus on the things I am better at while they tackle the things I'm not so good at. And you know what, I think sometimes they actually appreciate it because they feel needed. Men are just better at some things because they are men and the same goes for women.
Ladies, we are not inferior to men...we just have different roles. God created men and women different in the beginning. We were created to be a help to the men in our lives and men were created to lead and protect us. After the Fall, both sexes had burdens brought into their life due to disobedience. Now with us as the helper and men as the leader/protector does this mean we are weaklings who can't do things on our own? Of course not! We were just created to provide the softer side for men's rougher side and men to strengthen and cherish our softer side. Both roles are equally important and require just as much strength. And I don't know about you but sometimes I appreciate not having to load and unload over 200 bales of hay or getting on some of the really crazy bucking colts. Can I do it, yes; but if a man wants to step up and take care of it I will gladly step aside and feel no less for it. It will actually probably save me a lot of pain!
Also part of our role as women is to be mothers and for men to be leaders of the home. Some how this makes some woman feel inferior. However, do we realize that our job is just as crucially important? Men don't tend to be as tender and nurturing as many women are and would we as women prefer to have the burden of being the main provider for our family plus being the most responsible in setting the prime example of the spiritual leader of the home? We as women are the caregivers of our children and while the man is out providing and protecting our family we tend to our little one's daily needs and help raise them in godly character. Both roles are equally hard in their own right and important. 
 So please let men be men. We are in a world where real men are getting harder and harder to find and I am afraid we as woman might be part of the problem. We won't let them be men anymore. This doesn't mean we need to be damsels in distress all the time, but realize we don't always have to fight our battles alone. Don't put men down for being polite, but them expect him to be respectful to you and not treat you like just "one of the guys".  Don't strip him of his title and therefore dishonor yours.
I understand not all men are perfect but are we as women? So let's lay this feminist stuff to rest and be the feminine yet strong warriors God has called us to be alongside the men He puts in our lives.
Or if you still choose to be feminist then please leave our men alone. There are many of us who still want them!
-Kayleigh

Genesis 5:2 (NASB)

He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created.

Horses on the Silver Screen

So I am a fan of horse movies....I know shocker. I have seen many of them over my growing up years and my father likes to tease me with "What!? A horse movie you haven't seen?" There are the iconic classics of Black Beauty and The Black Stallion, the exhilarating stories of  Hildalgo and War Horse, and the rags to riches stories of Dreamer and Seabiscuit. All touch our hearts with the amazing displays of the courage, resilience and mesmerizing beauty of the Equus.
Now, not only do I appreciate a movie that has horses in it, but I appreciate even more when it is well done. Am I the only one who cringes when the horse they claim as a "pure wild Mustang" happens to look just like a pure Arabian? Or a person flopping excessively on a horse's back when they are supposed to be a ribbon winning rider? Anyway, no horse movie is perfect but there are those ones that seem to do their very best to make things look as authentic as possible.
I just got done watching a movie called Open Range which is about two men traveling in the old west with their free grazing cattle and the adventure that ensues. Although it is not a strictly horse movie, horse play a pretty good part in it, since they happened to the main mode of transportation back then. :)  As I watched this movie the other night I was reminded of how much I appreciate actors who truly wish to ride the horses in the movies themselves. They actually learn to ride. And they aren't half bad either. Of course not all wish to do that and have their stunt doubles ride for them in the really tricky scenes but that's why people like me dream for the job right? :) However I do appreciate those who dare to go the extra mile and complete the genuine horse movie experience. Perhaps they understand to the breathtaking freedom  they give us.
Since I am highly interested in horses and film, it comes as no surprise that I observe them quite closely. I hope to every once in a while, share my thoughts on a particular horse movie and share it with you all. So watch those movies closely, and what are some favorites of  y'all's?

The Simple Life

I am currently taking a mini-vacation with my family in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It has been three days of shopping, hiking and chilling at the cabin; but unfortunately, I must go back home to the real world tomorrow. :(  I must return and make sure my little ones aren't driving my roomy too crazy. ;)
This morning we took a drive into the Smoky Mountain National Park and drove the scenic loop of Cades Cove. It is my favorite drive in the park and for those of you who have not been there it is a gorgeous valley nestled between rows of mountains with fields that are just calling to filled with horses! (There actually is some as there's trail riding offered.) It also calls out to avid outdoor horse women like me as the perfect spot to build a log cabin and a barn. :)
In the late 1700s into the early 1800s Cades Cove was settled by Indians and early settlers. Some of the old cabins, barns, and churches remain. They utilized the fields for crops and lived a simple life with hard work and seclusion. As we were driving through this morning I could find myself picturing the little cabins dotting the landscape and the fields being cultivated and tended with the help of horsepower...and I mean REAL horsepower! Back then horses were mainly used for work, helping on the farm, and taking people to where they wanted to go. It is a far cry from what most horses are used for today but some people still hold on to the tradition of the original horsepower.
However, as I view the gorgeous landscape I am strangely drawn to what I simple life it was. Hard no doubt, but peaceful, full of purpose and drive. These people alongside their trusty four-hooved companions worked for a better life and a brighter future. What a life in such a beautiful place. I think if we could ponder at the grit and strength of those people it could change the way we view our lives today. And just maybe because of it we will find ways with our horses to continue to work towards a brighter future ahead.

"And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you," 1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV

Teaching the Smile

So the first trick I am going over is the Smile. I am working on this trick with Merrylegs  but it is currently a work in progress as you will see from the pictures and short video. This is good though, because it's realistic and will not be perfect right away when you're teaching it.

This is fairly simple trick to teach and it is a favorite for people. So are you wanting to turn your horse into the next Mr. Ed?

Here is what you need:

• Your hands
• Treats of your choice
• Don't forget patience! ;)

That's it!  

Steps:

1. It will probably be best to outfit your horse with a halter and leadrope.
2. Stand in front of your horse and take a treat in your hand.
3. Get your horse's attention and give him the verbal preparatory cue. (Ex. "Ready")
4. Hold you hand up with your index finger pointed up and the treat hidden in rest of your hand.
5. Give the command, "Smile" and you will place your hand at your horse's mouth. Often times the horse will smell the treat and try to grab for it. This is a good start.
6. Reward him for it by opening your hand and allowing him to take the treat from your opened up palm.
7. Repeat steps #5 and #6  a couple of times and you can call that a session unless you feel like your horse can do more.
8. You develop the trick as you encourage your horse to lift his lip up higher and longer before giving the treat.

It is important to remember to say the verbal cue each time you ask for the Smile so that your horse can learn to associate the command with the trick. Also don't let the him quit until you have put your finger down: that is your release cue.

If you are having trouble getting your horse to nibble for the treat then you can very carefully try to tickle the underside of their top lip with your finger. You can put a little bit of peanut butter or something that smells, as this can trigger their fleming response.

Once they get good at responding just keep adding to it until they will eventually do it just by your finger and verbal command.

It is important to make sure your horse does not crowd your space while you are teaching this trick and retains his manners. Watch your fingers and if you want to wear gloves for extra safety you can . This is not a trick I would suggest teaching to nippy ponies and or allowing unsupervised children to do unless they prove to have the discipline and coordination. Understand though an accidental nibble on the fingers it can still happen to anyone.  If the horse gets to pushy, correct him and come back to the trick. Practice in moderation and have fun with this trick!

Any questions feel free to ask through my Google+ profile which provides my email!

  

My post for today was mostly written on a horse carriage. I was driving carriages in my little hometown therefore this post will be short and sweet. Today, I was reminded as I drove complete strangers around, how fun and enjoyable interaction can be even with people you don't know. Sometimes I think we get burned out on being around others and having to deal with other people. However, there is nothing quite like making someone's day a little bit brighter by simply asking them about themselves or genuinely listening to them. You can learn so much and give more than you can imagine with just a smile, a listening ear, and sincere "have a good day". Also it might just make our day as well.
So get out and greet those around you. You might just help someone out and make a positive impact in their lives as well as yourself.
"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." Romans 15:2 (ESV)

Teaching Tricks

Tricks are not just for fun. If you just want to teach your horse tricks for the fun of it, you are missing out on a lot. Tricks are not just for you to show off your companion's talent or to create a YouTube channel, or even do horse movies. Teaching tricks strengthens your relationship with your horse and deepens your trust with each other. You learn a lot about each others' personalities, especially when you are trying to teach something that is not exactly the norm. Yes, you really learn each other true colors. ;) Also teaching tricks can prove to a life-saver even. In stressful situations your horse can face many different things thrown at him because he has already done some not exactly common every day things already. He has learned to be a thinker instead of a reactor. Now that does not mean that your horse will never spook again or they will never flee from a less than ideal situation. They still have their instincts, but with the trust and principles that trick training requires they will be better prepared to handle unusual situations with more confidence and ease.
Now with that being said a few things to remember:

• Patience is key. If you are frustrated you aren't doing any good, just unteaching what you are trying to work towards. Hildago, I am sure was not trained in a day. :) This is something I have to remember often. You are asking your horse to do things that are not exactly in his natural instinct. Cut him some slack.
• Consistency. Another one I have to really remember. Just like anything else in life, if you want it to be good, you've got work on it continually and not change things all the time.
• Be positive. Negative energy will affect your horses mood to cooperate. You still need to ensure he behaves and respects you but you must make sure to make it a positive experience. Otherwise he will do what you ask because he must, not because he wants to.
• Take breaks. Don't beat things into the ground. Take rest sessions to let things sink in and so your horse nor you have issues with the first item we mentioned above!
• Be careful with treats. Treats are a useful tool, but also make sure you use them responsibly and your horse maintains his manners.
• Pay attention to detail. Observe what your horse is giving you. Write things down if you want to.
• Enjoy yourself. It should be fun working with your horse and teaching him new things. If  it's not fun and doesn't have a purpose then maybe you should question your motives for doing it.

Ok, if that isn't enough information already here we go with more. When teaching tricks there are key steps to remember. These are called cues. There is not just one cue to tell your horse to do the trick, rather a string of cues. They are as follows:

• Preparatory cue. This is what gets the horses attention and tells him to get ready for what's going to be asked. It can be as simple as saying their name or using a word such has "Ready".
• Trick cue. This is the cue you give that actually asks for whatever trick you are wanting. It's the touch of the whip for the bow or the  movement of the body used to ask the horse to pick up the object on the ground.
• The spatial cue. How close you are to the horse indicates what you are asking. Want the horse to back up or follow you with no connection? What is your proximity to your horse? 
• Voice cue. This is pretty self explanatory. "Smile", "Pick up", "Step up".
• The release cue. This lets your horse off the hook of whatever trick he's doing and not a minute before. It can be verbal or a physical movement from you. But speaking from experience don't do "good boy or girl". One thing I dislike is when you are riding a horse and he thinks that's the magic to cue to stop whatever he's doing and bask a little too much in those two words. ;) 

This last cue is not to be used last but is to fit into as it is needed and seen fit.

• The Yee Haw cue. Ok, so don't take this literally. I cringe at the thought of what Hollywood cowboys have taught us...but what I mean is, this is your excitement cue. If you ask for a cue with enthusiasm, chances are you just might get a more enthusiastic response. Now I am not saying you have to be a crazy person. I struggle with this one sometimes actually because I'm not an extremely outward excited person, but if you are eager, your horse might just be curious about what your so eager about. This cue is usually helpful in getting a horse to jump on pedestal with more gusto or Spanish walk with more of a flare for the dramatic.

Rewarding your horse is very important. The horse needs to get positive feedback when he responds well if you ever want to continue to increase the depth of the trick. Reward can be with treats or with pats and rubs and vocal praise. When using treats remember to use in moderation and carefully. Make him work for it and as time goes on encourage him to accomplish the trick better or longer before rewarding. Eventually the goal is to be able to wean him off of the treats and he will purely enjoy doing the trick for your company.

The equipment you use doesn't have to be fancy. It just needs to be safe. Pedestals need to be sturdy and support the horse's weight. Objects being picked up need to safe for the horse to handle in his mouth. Footing, yes it qualifies as equipment, needs to be secure. Certain tricks may require wraps or boots. Safety for both you and your horse should be priority. Accidents do happen but if you put yourself and your horse in a position that is not secure you have the potential to destroy a trust and goals that will not easily be re-established.

Lastly, but not least, trust is crucial between you and your companion. If you do not trust each other then mostly likely things are not going to go well. Don't force your horse into something he's not ready for. He needs to fairly well grounded in the every day basics of horsemanship before you start introducing him to do not so common every day things. Go slowly knowing you will hit some speed bumps and some set backs. It's not a big deal. If your horse is having a bad day do simple stuff or just take a day off. If you are having a bad day and you can't leave it at the gate then don't do it. Trust is not so easily won and is easily destroyed. If he's not ready and confident then ok; go back to what he is confident with. Same goes for you. And there may be things he just will never be ok with and that's alright too. Remember it's not about creating the next War Horse Joey. It's about enjoying the horse that you love and chose to share your journey with.

Honoring 9/11

Today I am taking a break from the regular posting to remember and reflect the lives lost on 9/11. Pray for all the families of those who relive the tragedy every year and let us stand up and say "never again". Pray for our nation and that instead of pointing fingers we will stand for what we know to be just and true as one nation under God.
Irregardless of what you believe about our government and the people who are leading our country, I believe that this country is still the greatest nation on earth and I am proud to be an American. Take the time not just today but every day to thank those you meet who have served and continue serve our country and keep us safe. May God always bless America!

Follow Me on Facebook

My blog now has a Facebook page! Go check it out under Trickhorseoffaith and Like/Share please! :) And keeping checking for updates throughout the week in between blog posts.
Thank you to all following so far!
-Kayleigh

Meet Brooklyn

This is Brooklyn. My one of kind and hilarious fur-baby. Brooklyn is a 7 month old Lab mix (not exactly sure what else is in there :)) that I adopted. Her litter had a mixture of Lab, Boxer and Shepard looking siblings so your guess is as good as mine! :)  Since then my house has been filled with much crazy and comical relief with her antics. She is very smart, sometimes a little too smart and learns quickly. She learned common commands very quickly and has learned a few funs ones such as shake which is her favorite and crawl. We are also working more on stay as her attention span is starting to last longer than three seconds and she is learning to play the piano. ;) I hope to get her to do tricks with the rest of clan as she like being with the others.
 Her best quality: She is fast learner.
Her worst quality: Right now she is very timid but I am hoping she will shape into a good guard dog. And she will get over her fear of the floor vents. :)
Her likes: Any attention possible, water, and licking everything. :)
Her dislikes: Brooms, being alone, and she doesn't appreciate when getting clean, such as bath is not her idea.
Brooklyn is a ball of joy that has brought much happiness and laughter to my life. She goes with me pretty much everywhere hates to be left behind. Now what is funny about Brooklyn is she doesn't really bark. I have tried all sorts of things to rile her up and get her to bark but she has only done it about twice for me and often times instead of barking, when I leave her she just howls. Maybe one of these days I will get a fierce guard dog that will scare someone off with her ferocious attitude...or just lick them to death. :)

Meet April

This is April. She is a year and a half old miniature donkey who is a lover. I bought her from a place that offered kids parties and had a petting zoo which she was a part of.  From the very beginning she adored any attention given to her and would throw herself quite literally into it and still does. :) She will place her head into your arms and expect you to hold the whole weight of her head up. And if you are to sit down she will insist she's a lap donkey. If you are to pay attention to anyone else she will literally force herself in between you and whoever you are loving on. And if that doesn't work she'll be sure and give you a firm nudge. I am starting to teach her tricks such as smiling and kisses and she loves to put things in her mouth so I'm sure picking up objects won't be too much of a problem. Just getting her to give them up might! ;)
Her best quality: She's a love bug and you can do about anything with her as long as your touching her.
Her worst quality: She's extremely jealous and can become pushy.
Her likes: Hugs, kisses, rubs...really any kind of body contact. She's like your childhood favorite teddy bear.
Her dislikes: Being ignored, and when you pay attention to someone else but her. Also flyspray.
April is a sweetheart but don't be fooled as she will fearlessly shoo of coyotes and deer if need be. :) She is extremely smart and is an eager learner therefore I have hopes she will make a great little trick donkey. The story I have for April is about her interest in playing with things. One day Merrylegs had gotten off his grazing muzzle and guess who found it? But not only did she find it, she picked it up and proceeded to shake it about as if to say, "Look, he lost this!". Now getting her to give it up is another story, but I now know I can count on her to hunt it down whenever he loses it!
 

Meet MerryLegs

This little guy is Merrylegs  (aka Legs, Little Man, Sassy Man)
Merrylegs is a 10 year old Miniature with big personality. I bought him from a gal who explained his unique history as a driving pony who used to compete at the Kentucky Horse Park and he also did little performances as well. He has a lot of heart for such a little guy. He is the ringleader over the donkey and even has Samwise buffaloed into seeing him as boss. He loves to toss his head and act like he's just the grandest boy out there. He knows several tricks but we are hoping to work on more in depth tricks such as bowing and liberty work.
His best quality: He is very sweet and gentle with people.
His worst quality: He can be a little domineering over other animals and come across as kinda rude. 
His likes: Doing pedestal work and receiving scratches right on his back and withers where he can't reach. He also loves to play in the creek ;)
His dislikes: His grazing muzzle and not being in charge of everybody else. ;)
Legs is my little Pillsbury dough pony who enjoys being under your sole attention and pampering and he's every little girl's dream with his salt and pepper mane that's fun to braid. He's my 23 year old little dream pony! :) And his intelligent brain and flare for the dramatic makes him a captivating mini trick horse!
Now the story I have for Merrylegs is actually about him and his sidekick, April the donkey. One afternoon at home I happened to look out the window into the field and noticed a coyote. I also noticed Merrylegs and April interestingly watching it. Of course I head out on the deck prepared to go out there and defend my little ones when they decide they don't need it. They start walking, then trotting towards the coyote. The coyote is obviously confused and starts to take off. I watch this mesmerizing scene of a little horse and donkey continually walk and trot fearlessly towards this coyote until finally,, he decides he's had enough and takes off. So apparently I have a good little guard pony!

Follow me

Hi!
I've set it up to where you can now follow me and keep up-to-date on all my posts throughout the week. So please scroll down the page to the right and click follow! Thank you in advance and I appreciate all who have been reading so far!!

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

It's one of those skies where you just expect God to show up! :)
Have a great Friday everyone!

Meet Samwise

This is my boy Samwise Gamgee (Sam). He is a 9 year old Quarter Horse mix and is about as endearing as his namesake. ;) I adopted him about a month ago from a local horse rescue. He had been a neglect case but despite everything he shows a super willing attitude and loves to be around people. I had went to the rescue looking at a completely different horse and ended up trying him out and we just clicked.  Within a half circle of getting on him I was smiling. He is considered fairly green still and he is learning new things such as neck reining and moving the shoulders but he does have the potential as a little reining horse.
His best quality: He adores attention and likes to greet me at the fence when I come home from work.
His worst quality: He sometimes uses his very smart brain against people for example making people think he's blind. :)
His likes: Soft rubs, bathes, and any attention you give him.
His dislikes: The rain... I know, it doesn't make since he loves bathes.
He is proving himself to be great calm and steady guy as I have been playing with him quite a bit since I've had him. Nothing to crazy ya know....just vaulting on and off him, standing on him, and riding double...completely normal stuff. ;) He's taken all like a champ so far and I can't wait to turn him into great little trick horse.
Now I must share this story about Sam. When I adopted Sam his original name was Abe just to clarify so this story will make sense! When I brought Sam home I played the perfect trick on one of my dear friends who I went to equestrian college with, in Oregon. Here are the screenshots from our conversation:

So there you go single gals! There are some ideas for you. :)
-Kayleigh